Dignity for All Students Act (DASA) Help Center

What Can We Do? Bias, Bullying, & Bystanders

What is bullying?

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. 

What is discrimination?

The unjust or prejudicial treatment of a person based on race, color, weight, national origin, ethnic group, religion, religious practice, disability, sexual orientation, gender (including gender identity or expression), or sex. 

What is harassment?

Harassment is defined as conduct which annoys, threatens, intimidates, or causes fear in another person. It is unwanted behavior that offends, demeans, or threatens another person. The behavior causes a hostile environment. It can include derogatory comments, slurs, improper propositions, assault, physically impeding or blocking behavior, as well as visual insults.

As seen above all three issues are very close in definition and all can have similar impact of students. Any of these behaviors can have serious, and lasting, consequences on both the aggressor and the victim.

Conflict vs Bullying?

Conflict is a struggle between two or more people who perceive they have incompatible goals or desires.
Conflict occurs naturally as we interact with one another. It is a normal part of life that we will not always agree with other people about the things we want, what we think, or what we want to do. Bullying behavior is very different from conflict. It is behavior that is intended to cause some kind of harm. Conflict is not bullying.

Teasing Vs. Bullying?

Teasing is a social exchange that can be friendly, neutral or negative. Done in the right spirit, it can actually be positive. When kids tease each other about clothes, musical tastes or behavior, it helps them learn to deal with constructive criticism. It’s part of how they relate.

There are two main types of teasing—endearment teasing and influence teasing. Endearment teasing is a way to bond or form a relationship. When a kid misses a dunk in basketball, and a teammate says, “Hey Magic, nice shot,” it’s endearment teasing. Teasing is not bullying.

*The above has been adapted from understood.org, nobully.com, and USLegal.

Who Can I Talk About Bullying With?

Bully Prevention Coordinators
Each school has a Bully Prevention Coordinator. These adults are there for the students to have a safe place to talk about bullying, harassment, or discrimination they may be experiencing at school. (List of coordinators is below)

DASA Incident Reporting System
If a student is not comfortable talking to an adult or if the person prefers to remain anonymous, the district has also created an online reporting tool that can be used by students, parents, community members, or staff/faculty. 

 Access the DASA Incident Reporter
Check Status of Prior Incident  

Resources For Students 

• PACER: Kids Against Bullying

A Dignity Act Coordinator is available at each school.

  A Bully Prevention Liaisons is available at each school.

Resources For Parents

• How to Intervene When Your Child is Being Bullied
• What Parents Can Do About a Bully